Second Chance

We slide into a true parallel world; Clinton is President, the Cowboys have won two straight Super Bowls, Michael Jordan is retired, etc. Only an appearance from First Lady Geraldine Flowers Clinton reminds us however, that this isn't home, only a close call.

When the timer signifies that a full 73 days will pass before the gate can be opened, a weary Arturo comes apart at the seams. Frustrated and irritable, he bids his fellow Sliders good-bye, agreeing to meet again at the statue of Lincoln at high noon, 73 days from now (thus with six hours to spare). Arturo sets off down the road and disappears around the comer, under the puzzled concerned frowns of his fellow Sliders.

Over the next two months, the Sliders assimilate into society. Quinn and Wade utilize the time getting to know one another better, earning just enough money to travel and have fun.

Rembrandt goes on a personal journey, tracking down each of the other three Spinning Topps: one runs a laundromat, one is a teacher, another a mechanic. On this world, the Topps never formed, but under Rembrandt's guiding hand, they quickly band together to become an overnight sensation in the music business, with their nostalgic revival of the Philly Soul sound.

Meanwhile, Arturo has stumbled onto a completely new life. He meets a woman and falls head over heals—at last, finding the love he never found on our Earth. On this world, Maximillian Arturo has never been born (as he discovers in a bittersweet journey to his parents' home). Now, he is able to launch a new career as an oil painter and sculptor. He makes plans to marry and have a future with a woman he greatly respects. He is truly happy for the first time in his life.

Rembrandt is also struggling with a decision. The Topps are going over big on this world, and Rembrandt is getting another chance to relive the glory days. He's decided to stay. But the same patterns begin to emerge—bickering over the groups direction, controversy over their choices of tuxedo colors, jealousy from the other Topps, who want more lead vocals—and when one of the Topps suggests that he, too, should be allowed to cry real tears during a performance, Rembrandt's had enough. In a carbon copy of two decades ago on our Earth, Rembrandt leaves the Topps in a public huff.

On the 73rd day, a chagrined Rembrandt meets Quinn and Wade at the statue, having learned that for the time being, you can't go home again.

When Arturo joins them, there are two hours left before the gate can be opened. He tells the others he's decided to stay—he's found peace here—and urges them to go on without him.

His fellow Sliders watch in bittersweet confusion as the Professor bids them an emotional farewell and slowly walks away...

(For the brilliantly ironic conclusion to this story ... you'll have to buy the series!)